Mum given just 14 months to live after collapsing in front of kids while cooking

20 January 2024 , 10:57

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Danielle Camilleri suddenly collapsed in front of her children (Image: Danielle Camilleri/Wales News Service)

A mum-of-two had the shock of her life when she collapsed just three months after her partner proposed to her on her 40th birthday.

Danielle Camilleri and partner Brian, who have been together for 17 years and share two children, were in the midst of planning their wedding when the incident occurred.

While cooking at home with her kids, Charlie-Grace, 10, and seven-year-old Amias, Danielle suddenly dropped a spoon, lost control of her arm and fell to the floor. Her sister, Gabrielle Canham, shared: "I'd been talking to her on the phone about her wedding plans when it happened. It was terrifying for the children but luckily Brian came through the door and they ran for help from neighbours. Brian had to prise Danielle's mouth open and give her CPR."

Danielle, who runs a nursery in Cardiff, was quickly taken to the University Hospital of Wales where a CT scan revealed a shadow on her brain. An MRI scan confirmed it was a tumour. Gabrielle told Wales Online: "There had been absolutely not one tell-tale sign she was gravely ill. We had no idea," adding, "It was only when she had the fit and collapsed at home."

The couple rushed to plan their wedding in just 27 days, saying "I do" in front of 110 guests at Llantilio House, Monmouthshire. Danielle later had a four-hour operation to remove the tumour, but it had grown quickly and she was diagnosed with a stage four glioblastoma tumour.

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Danielle and her daughter Charlie-Grace (Danielle Camilleri/Wales News Service)

Danielle underwent an operation to remove the tumour (Danielle Camilleri/Wales News Service)

Danielle, from Llandaff, Cardiff, is now having chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Her family are also trying to raise £250,000 for a treatment not currently available on the NHS.

Gabrielle said: "We've been told that the cancer is inoperable and Danielle has been given 12 to 14 months to live. But there is no way she is giving up. She is determined to see her children grow up and be here for them. We still are in shock and cannot believe this is happening. Our world as a family has been devastated. Danielle can't bear to tell the children as their life will never be the same again."

Danielle's NHS oncologist has referred her to Professor Ashkan in The London Neurosurgery Partnership for a dendritic cell vaccine which could be life-saving. DCVax-L is a personalised vaccine made from each patient's own dendritic cells a type of cell that helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. But the treatment isn't available on the NHS and can only be funded privately, which costs £250,000.

Danielle on her wedding day (Danielle Camilleri/Wales News Service)

Danielle and Brian at their wedding (Danielle Camilleri)

Danielle's loved ones are working hard to raise money for her treatment through a Gofundme page, which has already collected over £22,000. Gabrielle shared: "We have got to do everything we can to raise this money for Danielle. It's her last hope."

The money raised will help pay for Danielle's treatment, any changes needed at home, and care services she might need. They also want to create special memories for her children and husband. If you want to help, you can donate here.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Lydia Stephens